System for creating spectral displays

ABSTRACT

A highly adaptable system for creating colorful spectral displays or for achieving a prismatic effect using visible light. The invention includes a fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element fabricated from plate glass mirror material. A compound version of this monolithic element wherein multiple single elements have been affixed to one another for the purpose of creating a more complex spectral display is also provided. The invention also includes a prism-like device that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays on a variety of surfaces while utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light source such as the sun.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/463,526 filed on Apr. 17, 2003 and entitled“Device and Method for Creating Spectral Displays,” the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

This invention was not made by an agency of the United States Governmentnor under contract with an agency of the United States Government.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for producingspectral displays of visible light, and more specifically to prism-likedevices and methods associated with such devices for creating artificialrainbows for decorative purposes and for scientific or technicalapplications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A prism is a device that may be used to disperse white light into thevisible spectrum of colors. The visible spectrum of colors is commonlyreferred to as a “rainbow” due to the prismatic effect of rain dropletson rays of sunlight that pass through such droplets. Equilateral prismsare typically used for the dispersion of light into its componentcolors. Light incident at an oblique angle to the first face isdispersed according to its wavelength and emerges as a visible spectrumfrom the opposite face of the prism.

In addition to the potential for use in creating a pleasing display ofcolors, prisms are also very useful as components in certain opticalsystems. For example, prisms may be used to redirect or deviate anoptical beam or rays or to erect an inverted image. Prisms that arecommonly used in optical systems or as optical devices include rightangle prisms, dove prisms, penta prisms, retro-reflectors, and precisionwedge prisms.

Prisms are typically made from solid pieces of optical material such asglass or quartz. The faces of the prism are normally flat with thenon-optical surfaces being left in the ground condition. The opticallyactive faces are further ground and polished to a pre-specified degreeof flatness. Prisms are usually more difficult to fabricate than mirrorsor windows because several surfaces must be held in precise geometricalrelationships to one another. Some prisms, such as retro-reflectors,rely greatly on the precision of these geometrical relationships. Thus,carefully controlling prism angles makes it possible to performinteresting and useful manipulations on the imaging light entering theprism.

Because light dispersing prisms are precision crafted instruments, inmany cases they tend to be fragile, expensive, and not widely orimmediately available for use in or as consumer products. Additionally,large spectrum forming prisms can be unwieldy, and the emergent spectralbeam is only somewhat directable and must be accomplished by rotatingthe entire prism. Furthermore, rigid design compromises are oftenrequired to effectively control light dispersion while reducingreflection losses.

Thus, because prisms can be used as devices for teaching scientificprinciples to children or adults, for creating pleasing decorativespectral displays, and for a variety of technical purposes, there is aneed for a less expensive prismatic device that performs the same orsimilar functions as the currently available glass or quartz prisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by thepresent invention, the exemplary embodiments of which provide arelatively inexpensive and highly adaptable system for creating colorfulspectral displays that, in some cases, resemble naturally occurringrainbows.

The first general embodiment of this invention provides a system forcreating a spectral display or displays. This system includes at leastone source of light within the visible spectrum and at least oneprismatic element. The prismatic element further includes asubstantially solid light dispersing medium, such as glass or quartz, areflective or highly reflective surface attached to the light dispersingmedium, and a window formed in the light dispersing medium at apredetermined angle relative to the reflective surface. In thisembodiment, the angle of the reflective surface relative to the windowis fixed. This fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element is typicallyfabricated from plate glass mirror material. An alternate embodiment ofthis prismatic element includes a compound version of the elementwherein multiple single elements have been affixed together, whilekeeping the reflective surfaces parallel to one another, to create amore complex spectral display. Advantageously, the monolithic prismaticelements of the present invention are approximately one-half of theweight of more traditional glass or quartz dispersing prisms and a farless expensive to fabricate.

The second general embodiment of this invention provides a system forcreating a spectral display or displays and also includes at least onesource of light within the visible spectrum and at least one prismaticelement. In this embodiment, the prismatic element further includes afluid light dispersing medium such as water, and a highly reflectivesurface placed within the light dispersing medium. In the exemplaryembodiment, the angle of the reflective surface is adjustable relativeto the source of light. Thus, this version functions in a manner similarto a prism, but utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materialswith highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid thatdisperses visible light in a predictable manner at or on a specifictarget.

Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersingelements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used tocreate complex spectral displays while utilizing one or more availablelight sources or a moving light source such as the sun as it movesacross the morning and/or afternoon sky. Further advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart upon reading and understanding the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplaryembodiments of the invention and, together with the general descriptiongiven above and detailed description of the preferred embodiments givenbelow, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of the individual solid prismaticelement.

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the prismatic element of FIG. 1 abefore the excess glass has been removed from the roughed-out element.

FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of the assembled compound prismaticelement.

FIG. 2 b is a side view of a plurality of strips of plate glass mirrorlaminated to one another in an offset manner for the purpose offabricating the compound prismatic element of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the light dispersing assembly includes an adjustablemirror.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the light dispersing assembly includes multipleadjustable mirrors.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention wherein the lightdispersing assembly includes an array of solid light dispersing mirrorsor solid prismatic elements.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding, and wherein the array is positioned relative to the movementof the sun such that a spectral display is produced on a target surface.

FIG. 7 a is a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding in a first orientation, and wherein the array is positionedrelative to the movement of the sun such that a spectral display isproduced on the target.

FIG. 7 b is a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding in a second orientation, and wherein the array is positionedrelative to the movement of the sun such that a spectral display isproduced on the target.

FIG. 7 c is a top view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of abuilding in a third orientation, and wherein the array is positionedrelative to the movement of the sun such that a spectral display isproduced on the target.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the light dispersing assembly includesmultiple adjustable mirrors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the broadest and most generic sense, the present invention provides asystem for creating colorful spectral displays that, in some cases,resemble naturally occurring rainbows. The first general embodiment ofthis invention includes a prism-like device or prismatic elementfabricated from plate glass mirror material. An alternate embodimentincludes a compound version of this prismatic element. The secondgeneral embodiment includes a device that functions like a prism, butthat utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highlyreflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light ina predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the prismaticelements and the light dispersing mirrors may be arranged into one ormore arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays whileutilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light sourcesuch as the sun as it moves across the morning and/or afternoon sky.

A. Monolithic Prismatic Element

1. Single Element

With reference now to the Figures, FIG. 1 a provides a perspective viewof the individual solid or monolithic prismatic element. FIG. 1 bprovides a perspective view of the prismatic element of FIG. 1 a beforethe excess glass has been removed from the roughed-out element.Prismatic element 10 may be used alone, or in combination with othersuch elements for dispersing light and creating spectral displays underproper conditions.

In a first exemplary embodiment, prismatic element 10 comprises a pieceof plate glass mirror 12, having ground surfaces 18 and 20, that hasbeen modified to function as a light-dispersing element having prismaticproperties. In contrast to the second general embodiment of lightdispersing element disclosed herein, i.e., the adjustable dispersingmirror, the mirrored surface of prismatic element 10 is fixed. Ingeneral, once the element has been created from plate glass mirror, theposition of the reflective surface 14 relative to the angle (about 30°)of the face of window 16 cannot typically be altered. However, the angleof the face of the window can be altered relative to the mirroredsurface by additional grinding and polishing of window 16.

The monolithic prismatic element of this invention is made by utilizingtechniques and devices that are well known to those skilled in the artsof glass working and optics. Typically, commercially available plateglass mirror having a thickness of 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) is preferred forthe monolithic prismatic element because it (i) is widely available;(ii) is relatively inexpensive; and (iii) possesses certain desirablephysical characteristics such as a high degree of flatness and strength.However, plate glass or optical glass of greater or lesser thickness mayalso be utilized provided that the strength and flatness of the plateglass is adequate for use with the prismatic element and spectraldisplay system of this invention.

Fabrication of the monolithic prismatic element of the present inventionmay be accomplished with conventional techniques such as sawing,grinding, polishing and laminating (in the case of compound elements).As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, sawing may beaccomplished with a wet diamond saw, grinding may be accomplished withsilicon carbide grinding mills, and polishing may be accomplished withcerium oxide/felt polishing lathes such as those utilized throughout theglass industry. If lamination is required, as with fabrication ofcompound elements, the common method of using ultraviolet (UV) curableoptical cement, such as Loctite 349, is sufficient.

The fixed or monolithic prismatic element may be fabricated by severalmethods depending upon the quantity and the quality desired. By way ofexample, a variety of transparent solids may be machined into shape andeither mirrored in several ways or laminated to existing mirror to forma solid prismatic element. For scientific purposes (small quantity,highest quality) optical glass machined to shape and mirrored with vapordeposited aluminum is preferred. For technical purposes (high quality,medium quantity) laminated, cut and machined common 0.25 inch plateglass mirror is preferred. For commercial purposes (large quantity,lower quality) injection molded plastic (methacrylic for example) withvapor deposited aluminum or lamination to a 0.25 inch plate glass mirroris preferred. Essentially, an optically flat window made in anytransparent solid such that the window surface is fixed at about a 30°angle to an optically flat mirrored surface is consistent with thisgeneral embodiment.

By way of example, the general process for fabricating solid prismaticelement 10 includes the following steps. First, the roughed-out elementis formed by cutting a piece of plate glass mirror into strips of about0.5 to 2.0 inches (1.27 to 5.08 cm) in width and up to a length of abouteight (8) feet (2.44 meters). A scoring tool or similar device may beused to cut the plate glass in this fashion. After this step, the pieceof cut plate glass is rectangular in cross-section. Second, the strip ofglass is changed in cross-section from a rectangle to a 30-60-90°triangle first by sawing, then by grinding the plate glass until thedesired geometry is achieved (see FIGS. 1 a and 1 b). Note that thesilvering that comprises the mirrored surface is not subjected to sawingand grinding, but rather it is the un-silvered portion of the strip thatis sawed and ground. Third, the newly ground, angled surface is polisheduntil a clear glass window 16 has been created. Fourth, the edges andcorners of element 10 are ground to eliminate any sharp edges that mightmake the element dangerous to handle.

2. Compound Element

The solid prismatic elements of the present invention may be fabricatedas a multiple-element or compound element in the Figures. FIG. 2 aprovides a perspective view of the assembled compound prismatic element22 having multiple reflective surfaces 14 and multiple windows 16. FIG.2 b provides a side view of a plurality of strips of plate glass mirrorlaminated to one another in an offset manner for the purpose offabricating compound prismatic element 22.

As best shown in FIG. 2 b, strips of plate glass mirror 12 havingreflective surfaces 14 and widths of about 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) arelaminated to one another in an offset manner to form an assembly. Usingthe methods and devices described above, the assembly of plate glassmirror strips is ground to form a series of triangles having thepreferred geometry of approximately 30-60-90°. As shown in FIG. 2 b, theupper surface exposed by sawing and grinding the assembly is polished toform clear window 16. The other surfaces generated by this method areleft in the ground state. The glass represented by triangle A is purelystructural in that connects the individual optical elements. The glassrepresented by triangle B is the optical element, reflective surface 14on bottom, window 16 on top. In this embodiment, the plate glass addedto the bottom of the assembly protects the bottom mirror and gives thedevice a consistent rectangular shape. A plurality of thin glass shims24 may be utilized to add structural support to the assembly.

The compound element creates a multiplicity of spectral displays in thesame way as the single prismatic element previously described; however,the compound element emits multiple beams at a relatively small angle tothe next element. Advantageously, the compound element provides severalemergent beams that are generated from a relatively lightweight, compactelement. The method of laminating multiple plate glass mirrors togetherin the fashion disclosed herein eliminates the need for many pieces ofglass to accomplish the same task. If it is desirable to alter the angleand/or orientation of the single or compound prismatic elements, acommercially available coarse thread nut having a diameter of about 0.25inches (0.64 cm) may be attached by adhesive means to the back of themirrored surface to provide a point of attachment for a base such as acamera tripod.

B. Adjustable Prismatic Element

The second general embodiment of the present invention includesprismatic element that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or othermaterials with a highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluidthat diffuses light in a predictable manner. Essentially, thisembodiment of the present invention provides an adjustable dispersingmirror that is adapted to disperse a collimated beam of light, much as acommon prism does, and direct that dispersed light beam at a targetsurface. FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional side view of one embodimentof the present invention wherein the light dispersing assembly includesan adjustable mirror while FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of anotherembodiment of the present invention wherein the light dispersingassembly includes multiple adjustable mirrors. The dispersing mirror ofthe present invention provides a low-cost, low-weight, and relativelysmall alternative to currently available devices that produce pure,directable, spectral light.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 provides a mounted, adjustable,light dispersing device 30 that includes an adjustable reflectivesurface 32, a reservoir 40 for containing fluid media 42, and a meansfor supporting the system. In the exemplary embodiment, reservoir 40 isan elongated container closed on two ends, open on the top, and having arounded bottom such that the reservoir resembles a cylinder that hasbeen bisected lengthwise. Optional window 38, which is affixed to theopen top of reservoir 40, allows light to enter the container, while atthe same time sealing the container to prevent leakage of the fluidmedia. Prior to operating light dispersion device 30, the user must fillreservoir 40 with water or a similar transparent fluid that is capableof separating white light into its component wavelengths. Filling thereservoir is accomplished by turning the container on end, opening port44 and filling the reservoir. Port 44 is closed and sealed by means of acap, plug, or similar device.

Reflective surface 32 comprises an elongated, rectangular piece ofmirror that has been mounted inside reservoir 40 by means of twomounting pins 34 attached to either end of reflective surface 32.Reflective surface 32 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis ofreservoir 40. At one of the closed ends of reservoir 40, one of themounting pins 34 extends through the material of the container and isattached to handle 36, which is mounted on the exterior of thecontainer. The position of reflective surface 32 relative to a lightsource (see arrow C) and/or target can be changed or adjusted simply byturning handle 36. Advantageously, this embodiment of the presentinvention provides a flexible compromise between dispersion andreflection losses by allowing for a change of angle between theoptically active surfaces of the device (see arrow D). Brightness anddispersion are controlled through independent and simultaneous change ofthe angle of incidence and emergence. The emergent spectral beam (seearrow E) from the exemplary embodiment is easily directable in the sameway that a commonly used mirror directs a beam of light via rotation,i.e. by means of folded optics.

The component parts of light dispersing device 30 may be manufacturedusing techniques widely known in the art, including, but not limited to,injection molding, glass cutting, and plumbing. Preferably, thematerials used in the construction of the device will not corrode andwill not be compromised by extended periods of submersion in water.Preferably, any fluid that is added to reservoir 40 will be sterileand/or will be treated with a bactericide or other preservative orantifreeze. In particular, if reflective surface 32 is a common mirror,it may be necessary to treat the back of the reflective surface with asealant or similar material that will provide extra corrosion resistanceto the back of the device where the silvering is attached to the glass.

Again with reference to FIG. 3, the exemplary embodiment of adjustablelight dispersing device 30 includes a support member 46 attached to thebottom of reservoir 40. This support member receives stand 48, whichincludes base 50, and which is attached to support member 46 by means ofone or more mounting screws (not shown). Preferably, stand 48 is atelescoping device, is capable of raising the light dispersion device toa variable height, and may be used to place light dispersion device 30on any number of substrates or surfaces. Base 50 provides the supportand balance necessary to stabilize device 30. In the exemplaryembodiment, stand 48 may be used to tilt device 30 forward or backward(see arrow A), and may be used to swivel device 30 around a central axis(see arrow B). A common camera tripod is one example of a device that iscapable of performing the functions of stand 48.

A second exemplary embodiment of the fluid-filled, adjustable lightdispersing device is shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment provides atable-top or desktop to version of the light dispersion device that maybe quite small in size, e.g., about 2″×6″, or may be very large in size,e.g., about 2′×8′. Light dispersion device with multiple mirrors 60includes a first adjustable mirror 62 and a second adjustable mirror 64that are positioned in slots 72 and 74 on the interior of basin 74. Eachmirror is mounted within a bracket 66 at either end of the mirror, andon each of these mirrors, one of the brackets includes a handle 68 forchanging the angle of the mirror. First adjustable mirror tilts in anupward or downward fashion in first slot 70 (see arrow A). Secondadjustable mirror 64 tilts in an upward or downward fashion in secondslot 72 independently of first adjustable mirror 64. As also shown inFIG. 4, basin 74 includes a base 78 for stabilizing the light dispersingmirror as well as an optional window or cover 76 which may be used toseal the device to prevent leakage or evaporation of the fluid media.

Light dispersion device with multiple mirrors 60 may be fabricated frommaterials such as those used with light dispersing device 30. Lightdispersion device with multiple mirrors 60 may be operated by placingthe device in the sun near a target surface and adjusting the multiplemirrors until the desired spectral display is created on the targetsurface. It may be necessary to move the device closer to, or fartheraway from, the target surface in order to create a clearly definedspectral display.

C. Arrays of Prismatic Elements

Both the monolithic prismatic elements and adjustable light dispersingmirrors of the present invention may be assembled in a frame to createan array of reflective devices. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 a-c,prismatic array 80 includes and assembly of elements 82 mounted insideframe 84 and placed within basin 90 which may or may not be covered withcover 88, and which may or may not contain water or a similar fluid. Anarray that includes a plurality of individual elements 86 that arenon-adjustable, i.e., fixed or monolithic prismatic elements, would nottypically require a fluid media to create the desired spectral displays.An array that includes a plurality of reflective surfaces, such asadjustable light dispersing mirrors would typically require such a fluidmedia.

In an exemplary embodiment, the semi-arced array configuration of theprismatic elements of this invention compensates for a moving lightsource such as the daily motion of the sun in order to provide arelative constant “rainbow effect” on a target surface such as a wallfound inside a building or structure 100. The array permits some or allof the available mid-day sun to be refracted and then reflected througha window in order to provide colorful and dynamic illumination.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outsideof a building, wherein the array is positioned relative to the movementof the sun such that a spectral display is produced on a target surfacethrough a window 102. FIG. 7 a provides a top view of the array of FIG.5 placed outside of a building in a first orientation, and wherein thearray is positioned relative to the movement of the sun such that aspectral display is produced on the target surface. FIG. 7 b provides atop view of the array of FIG. 5 placed outside of a building in a secondorientation, and wherein the array is positioned relative to themovement of the sun such that a spectral display is produced on thetarget surface. FIG. 7 c provides a top view of the array of FIG. 5placed outside of a building in a third orientation, and wherein thearray is positioned relative to the movement of the sun such that aspectral display is produced on the target surface. In these Figures,when the sun is at position A, the light is reflected to position A′ andwhen the sun is at position B, the light is reflected to position B′.

The solid glass and the sealed mirror-and-water dispersion mirrors maybe similarly arrayed, but the open mirror-and-water version delivers thelargest-scale effects most economically and constitutes a “refractionpond.” An example of the “refraction pond” (FIGS. 6, 7 a-c) consists ofa 50° wide, horizontal fan shaped array of 10, 2″ high×1″ wide mirrors,supported in a frame at a 5° angle to each other all set in a shallow(1.25″ (inches) or deeper) ‘pond’. If the target window is on the westside of a building the ‘pond’ would be located about 15′ outside andslightly north of the window so the morning sun (˜10 AM) shines over thebuilding onto the pond. The array in the pond is turned until the endmirror can reflect the sun at the right edge of the window. This mirroris then pivoted up or down to put the beam at the upper end of thewindow (Point A′). As the sun in the S.E. sky moves up and to the right,the reflected (and reflected) prismatic beam moves to the left anddownward at the same angular rate (15°/hr.) as the sun. If it is assumedthe target window is 10° wide from the position of the pond then thebeam will move from the upper right of the window toward the lower leftin 40 minutes. After only 20 minutes (5°) the second mirror of the arrayis ready to be pivoted to put the second beam at Point A′ like thefirst. As the sun moves farther west each mirror is, in turn, pivoted toput the emergent beam at the height that will allow it to transit thewindow as the sun moves.

Because the emergent beams are 5° apart and the window 10° wide, therewill be two or three beams in the window at one time in this example.The duration of this light show is 10×5° (per mirror)+10° (windowwidth)=60° divided by 15°/hr. =4 hours max., weather permitting. Thisbrief description is one of three target window scenarios (see FIGS. 7a-c); the one described herein works for both east and west windows.North facing windows are typically easier to target but south windowsare more difficult however, all are treated similarly. Arrays ofdispersing mirrors of any kind may be used for other provisions thansolar motion compensation, such as multiple beam displays andillumination of multiple targets.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention that includes an array of prismatic elements. Thisembodiment provides a light dispersion device 200 that may be usedindoors or outside in all seasons, with sunlight or appropriate, i.e.,sufficient, artificial light as the source of light for the spectraldisplay. As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of light dispersiondevice 200 includes a plurality of mirrored surfaces 204 placed within acontainer 210. A cover 202 includes a piece of 0.25 inch plate glasswindow. Mirrored surfaces 204 comprise 0.25 plate glass mirror(≈1½″×12″) seated atop a series of 30°-60°-90° plastic wedges 206. Asilicone glue bead 224 stabilizes each reflective surface atop wedges206. The internal portion 250 of container 210 is filled with clearfluid by way of fill port 220.

The display created by this embodiment consists of a series of rainbowsarranged in more or less continuous arc. Unlike a natural rainbow wholecolor bands run the length of the arc, these bands cross the narrow (12″or so) width of the ˜36° arc and consist of 10 or so closely juxtaposedindividual rainbows, during normal use. This device allows the length ofthe arc to be adjustable, form a dashed arc of widely separated rainbowsto overlapping and mixing rainbows, to a complete overlap forming asingle brighter (10 x) rainbow band.

This adjustment is made through turning a value handle 218 therebypushing on and flexing the mounting surface 208 of the mirrors whichincludes a plastic “false bottom.” This push or pull is generated by thescrew threads of the valve stem 216 when turned in combination with thereinforced swivel 214 attached to the bottom of the mirror mountingsurface. This surface is rectangular and supported at only the two edgesthat are parallel to the length of the mirror strips, at the supportslots 222 for the “false bottom.” These support slots 222 are deepenough to grip mirror mounting surface 208 even when its length isshortened due to being flexed. The other two edges of mounting surface208 are unsupported and form one side each of two gaps between mountingsurface 208 and container 210, which is typically a hermetically sealedplastic or metal box. These gaps allow the clear fluid 252, which may beclear ethylene glycol, to flow from one side of the mounting surface tothe other when flexed. Preferably, fluid 252, which is one of theantifreeze glycols, is be clear (not green) and chemically compatiblewith parts in contract with it.

The second adjustable area in this embodiment is an adapted camera mountthat includes a vertical adjustment knob 226 and a camera mount body230. Camera mount screw 228 holds container 210 at reinforced mountingbracket 212, which is located near the geometric center of the containerfor maintaining balance. Camera mount azimuth lock screw 232 allows theoperator to place the unit in the sun (or projector light) and directthe reflected prismatic beams at a target of choice and fix the unit inposition. The adapted camera mount rests atop a support tube 234 whichconnects the container 210 to a base.

The third adjustable area of this device includes a base that isself-operating once the device is turned on using switch 242. In theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, this area includes an electricturntable 236 powered by batteries 244 and enclosed in housing 248,which further includes stabilizing feet 246. The speed of the turntable(e.g., one revolution per 48 hour period) is determined by gear motor240 and the gear motor-to-drive gear 238 ratio. The action of thisturntable base neutralizes the horizontal motion of the sun with respectto the reflected prismatic beams and their target, but not the verticalmovement of the sun. The result is that the arc of rainbow beams movesdown and up as the sun moves up and down, but they do not move to theeast as the sun moves west. A sustained illumination of the targetsurface is thus attained.

While the above description contains much specificity, this should notbe construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention, but ratheras an exemplification of certain preferred or exemplary embodiments.Numerous other variations of the present invention are possible, and itis not intended herein to mention all of the possible equivalent formsor ramifications of this invention. Various changes may be made to thepresent invention without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention.

1. A system for creating a colorful spectral display, comprising: (a) anarray of prismatic elements, wherein each prismatic element in the arrayfurther comprises: (i) a substantially solid light-dispersing medium;(ii) a highly reflective surface attached to the light-dispersingmedium, wherein the highly reflective surface is planar; and (iii) awindow formed in the light-dispersing medium at a predetermined anglerelative to the highly reflective surface, wherein the window is planarand further includes a clear, polished surface, and wherein the angle ofthe reflective surface relative to the window is fixed; and (b) at leastone source of white light directed at the windows of the prismaticelements, wherein the white light enters the prismatic elements throughthe windows, wherein the light-dispersing medium in each prismaticelement disperses the white light into a spectrum of visible colors, andwherein the highly reflective surfaces in the prismatic elements reflectat least a portion of the dispersed white light back out of theprismatic elements through the windows thereof for creating a colorfulspectral display; and (c) wherein the prismatic elements in the arrayare arranged in a semi-arc relative to one another, and wherein thearray can be selectively positioned relative to the at least one sourceof white light.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising asupportive frame for containing the array of prismatic elements.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the light-dispersing medium further comprisesplastic, polymer, glass, or quartz.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a display surface for visually displaying the spectraldisplay created by the dispersed light exiting the array of prismaticelements.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a adjustable baseattached to the array of prismatic elements for selectively positioningthe array relative to the source of white light.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the highly reflective surface further comprises a mirror.